If your idea of “floating” is at the spa in a salt-filled sensory deprivation tank, it’s time to get out more — as in the great outdoors — for your next flotation therapy session.
Leave the trendy tank action for another day. Gliding down one of Texas’ rivers in an inner tube — your floatation device — can be as tranquil as you make it (or as, well, not tranquil, if you are looking for a day of playful partying).
The heat of summer is high season to chill out in the deliciously cool water and let your troubles float away downstream, but the often muggy Texas spring and fall are plenty appropriate, too.
With these top spots for taking the tube in Texas, along with the associated local tube outfitters that will make your float a real splash, a day of fun in the sun is assured. By the way, you will see some outfitters say “toobs” and “toobing.” Don’t worry: You are still in the right place; it is just Texas river slang for the same thing.
P.S. If you don’t have Modest Mouse’s “Float On” stuck in your head after reading this, now you will. You are welcome.
Please remember that both glass and Styrofoam are illegal on all Texas waterways. It is best to contact your local tubing outfitters to check on local river conditions before you begin your floating journey.
Content disclaimer: We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit a potentially hazardous location, you check for the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. The locations listed below may or may not have changed their regulations in regards to what you can or cannot do on site since the article was last updated. Always consult with local authorities. If you do plan to visit a location, know the risks beforehand and respect the environment.
Comal River
Location: New Braunfels
Tube Outfitters: Comal Tubes, Landa Falls, Texas Tubes, and Rockin’ R
@comalrivertoobsCool off along the Comal, where the sparkling, spring-fed water usually maintains a refreshing 72 degrees all year-round. It is the shortest, navigable river in Texas, but it's still a sweet place to float around. In fact, you could say it was made for floating, as the calm, shaded waters offer a relaxing ride with few obstacles or waves. You will get a riverside tour of the town of New Braunfels — and you’ll even pass by the famous Schlitterbahn Water Park, should you feel so inclined to swap the river for the slides and sky coaster. Beginning at Comal Springs in Landa Park, the Comal flows just under three miles until reaching the Guadalupe River, which means you can take multiple trips, if you would like. Or, just go to Schlitterbahn.
@krwatson
@snacking.on.lifeMedina River
Location: Bandera
Tube Outfitters: Medina River Company, Bandera Beach Club, and Twin Elm Ranch
@medinarivercoSurrounding the cowboy country of Bandera, the Medina River might be underappreciated, but it’s still an impressive place to get your float on — after communing with the cowboys, naturally. Peacefully winding through a tunnel of cypress trees, this float has all the prettiness and the peace and quiet that you could want.
@gil_tc
@ashleyrencherGuadalupe River
Location: New Braunfels and Canyon Lake
Tube Outfitters: Tube Haus, River Sports Tubes, Whitewater Sports, and Shanty Tubes
@tawnituckfieldThe big kahuna of moseying down the river, the Guadalupe is a go-to destination for many floaters. It is less, ahem, serene than other river tubing options. But, that’s just because it really is the most popular kid on the river block when it comes to floating, and you can generally expect a full-on river-party vibe. Add to that some rapids, boulders, and tube chutes, and you have quite a fun adventure in store. You could say it’s the perfect combo of raucous and relaxing — because, balance. There are a lot of float options on the Guadalupe, though, with some more lively than others; tubing areas are spread out across many miles of the river — from San Marcos to New Braunfels, Gruene, and San Antonio with floats that last from about two hours up to six hours. The Horseshoe Loop is a favorite section among many floaters. But, the Guadalupe State Park is one access point that’s a bit less rowdy. Just remember: On any given summer day, your float may look like a frat party on water.
@taliadaniellee
@anastasiachansen
@ttonymartinez
@txhotrodSan Marcos River
Location: San Marcos
Tube Rentals: Lions Club, Texas State Tubes, and Don’s Fish Camp
@donsfishcampIts proximity to Austin makes the spring-fed San Marcos a relatively popular tubing scene, attracting everyone from college kids to their parents (and even their grandparents!) for some good, clean-water fun. There is even an annual Float Fest that brings in some pretty legit music acts. Snoop Dogg, Modest Mouse, Lil Wayne, Cold War Kids, and many more have all performed. Although the river actually cuts right through downtown San Marcos and the Texas State University campus, you would never know it, as the tubing part of the river seems much more like a nature preserve. It is bordered on both sides by park land, offering something of a haven from nearby development along with lots of picturesque views.
@devany.xm
@tatiromoBarton Creek Greenbelt
Location: Austin
Tube Outfitters: No rentals available
@agirlfromtxEven though it’s BYOT here (Bring Your Own Tube that is!), the Barton Creek Greenbelt is still a viable option that’s right in the heart of Austin. It is an urban oasis in the city and boasts a more relaxed, low-key float atmosphere than the triple threat of Central Texas’ more popular San Marcos, Comal, and Guadalupe Rivers. Just keep in mind that you aren’t really floating anywhere; it’s basically hanging out on the water, which is plenty entertaining, too. You do have to bring your own tube and sort out transportation, which detracts some float fanatics. But, you can stop and start tubing wherever you choose — the Loop 360 access is a go-to for many locals. Other swimming holes such as Twin Falls, Sculpture Falls, Gus Fruh, and Campbell’s Hole are also good access points. Also, it’s a no-go on the BYOB situation, as in there’s no alcohol allowed on Barton Creek. You’ll likely see plenty of rule-breakers, though. But, you didn’t hear that from us.
@diannawoodward
@csh.anglrFrio River
Location: Concan
Tube Outfitters: Star Rentals, Garner State Park Concessions, Josh’s Frio River Outfitter, Andy’s on River Road, and Happy Hollow Grocer
@giggles_galoreSpanish for “cold,” the Frio River is an ideal place to chill out on the clear and crisp, spring-fed waters. A secluded beauty, it’s pretty much a hidden gem when it comes to the floating scene. It’s the one to bring your nature buff friends to. Far less trafficked than the other cool-kid rivers, this one actually spans 47 miles long, with ever-changing scenery including high limestone bluffs, towering cypress trees, and big boulders. The scenic Garner State Park is a popular access point for the Frio, and you’ll get an extra nature boost as a result.
@traci3boymom
@stephanie_in_austin
@frioriverconcantexasSouth Llano River
Location: Junction
Tube Outfitters: South Llano River State Park
@danlpz_Spring-fed and slow-moving, this river is renowned for not only being fun, but also family-friendly, too. A section of the South Llano River runs through the South Llano River State Park, ensuring an easy access point for either shallow waters for splashing around or for a two-mile jaunt down the water. There are also multiple points along the river for tubers to jump in or jump out.
@awomanontheroadColorado River
Location: Bastrop
Tube Outfitters: Bastrop River Company
@brittanyduff17The sky (uh, the water) is the limit when it comes to floating the Colorado — it’s the longest river in Texas. Despite its massive size, it’s a pretty tame way to tube with a relatively gentle, calm flow and quick shallows. It’s also quite a scenic way to experience the natural surroundings that seem to change with almost every bend. What you will see for sure are tree-lined banks, lush greenery, and lots of birds and wildlife. Sandbars and islands make for a perfect stopping point along the way if you want to take a break.
@carlicopellBrazos River
Location: Millsap
Tube Outfitters: Hillbilly Haven and Rhodes Canoe and Tube Rental
@sarahelisajuhlWith more than 70 miles of river that are good for tubing, the Brazos boasts multiple access points for floating. But, the 41 miles below Possum Kingdom Dam tend to be the more popular (and the prettiest) zone, with the Brazos River Authority entrance an easy place to start floating. The clear water weaves around 500-foot cliffs, making for a cool journey along the slow, low-key river. Plus, there are access points every 3.5 miles or so, allowing you the option to chart your own path. If you are starting your float along the first 33 miles of the Brazos, below Lake Granbury, be sure to check water conditions before you drive there. This particular area of the river can tend to be quite shallow in some spots — especially at the height of summer. Regardless of where you float, though, the land on both sides of the Brazos is generally private property, but there are still places to pull over for a picnic on the gravel or sandbars within the river.
@aubriebeyTrinity River
Location: Dallas-Fort Worth
Tube Outfitters: Trinity River Expeditions and Rockin’ the River
@aliisorangeGet your summertime tube on — even in DFW — with the Trinity River’s seasonal access. There’s a Rockin’ the River “Live on the Trinity” summer series every Saturday from Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth if you want your tubing with a side of live music on the waterfront stage.
@dallasfortworthauembedded via
@pantherislandpavilion